Are Dogs Carnivores?
DOGS AND WOLVES
Ever wondered why your dog continuously scents the air and the ground, enjoys running and chasing, loves the smell and taste of meat? Well the answer lies in his natural origins – a hunter, a carnivore that caught prey and ate meat – the wolf. Maybe it’s time to take a good look at your dog again, appreciate the wolf inside and feed as his nature intended. All domestic dogs, regardless of breed type, are one species, Canis lupus familiaris, and modern geneticists have little doubt that the species descended from Canis lupus, the wolf.
Why is this important? Well for dog owners, breeders and veterinarians it means we can learn more about the make-up of our best friend from his wild ancestor and in doing so perhaps better appreciate his day-to-day needs and how we can best meet them through love, care, exercise and nutrition. And when you look closely the similarities are striking. Both species share many of the same physical features and attributes – like 13 pairs of ribs, 42 teeth, exceptional scenting and hearing ability… the list goes on. Then there are the social and behavioural clues. Yes, your dog loves being part of your family because you care for him, but this is also his natural instinct. He is a pack animal, just like the wolf, and flourishes in the family as long as he understands his status in the hierarchy, either as leader or follower, which is why good training is so important. Why does your dog turns in circles before he flops down in his comfy bed? This is simply an instinct from his ancestors, he is checking there are no sharp rocks, stones or sticks that may hurt him as he settles down. Likewise, when your dog is scenting or chasing, he is re-engaging his predatory instincts – but just for fun. You feed him of course, so he doesn’t need them for survival, but they are nevertheless still present.
Teeth designed for meat If you are still in any doubt that your dog still has a wolf inside, take a look in his mouth. His teeth are almost identical to the wolf, albeit a little smaller. The front teeth, incisors and canines are clearly designed to catch and hold prey animals. The back teeth or molars are not like ours, but are modified to cut and slice meat, even bones. When your dog chews you will notice he does this on the sides of his mouth using the powerful carnassial teeth that have a scissor like action, just like wolves in the wild. So he has a wolf’s teeth and is definitely a carnivore at heart.
Nutrition Do you think your dog would like meat as the primary ingredient in his diet? According to experts, what you feed your dog should be directly linked to his natural origins too. They reasonably point out that from teeth designed for cutting and tearing meat rather than chewing plants, and a short digestive system designed to process meat, wolves and dogs are designed to eat and digest lots of animal protein. UK Veterinarian, David Morgan, from Eukanuba, says the fundamental similarity between wolves and dogs is the foundation of Eukanuba diets:
‘We use chicken – not cereal – as our main protein source because we believe dogs evolved from carnivores and should be fed accordingly’
‘From this principal, coupled with a thirst for innovation Eukanuba have developed a range of 100% complete and balanced diets tailored to meet the needs of individual dogs. Using only the highest quality ingredients with an optimal balance of meat, fats and oils, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals Eukanuba tailor diets for age, size, breeds, activity levels and sensitivities.’ Tailored diets and high quality ingredients also means value. Because every mouthful is packed full of nutrition, you do not need to feed him that much to keep him in top condition. One bag of Eukanuba goes a long way – up to 173 meals in one 15kg bag*. Maybe it’s time to look at your dog again, appreciate the wolf inside and reconsider what you feed him. What’s the main ingredient in your current choice?
Dog’s ancestry can be traced back 65 million years from primitive carnivores called miacids. Around 16-23 million years ago Tomarctus appeared from which nearly all canids descended and 1-1.5 million years ago the first identifiable wolf appeared. The domestic dog of today evolved from wolves selected by mankind as an able working companion for hunting, protection and subsequently companionship.
To learn more about the Eukanuba range of dog foods ask a Scampers Petcare Advisor.
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